The unlikely quarterback who beat a Patrick Mahomes record
Denver’s unlikely QB Bo Nix has become the catalyst for a historic fourth-quarter surge, as the Broncos extended their one-score-game winning streak to 17, surpassing a Kansas City Mahomes-era record. The win over the Panthers showcased a pattern: Denver trails through three quarters, then executes decisive late drives led by Nix, including a 26-yard TD with 5:41 left. Despite mixed earlier showings and earlier scrutiny from analysts, the matchup-cohesiveness improved enough to push Denver to 7-2 and raise questions about their playoff readiness. The team remains hopeful about sustained momentum, even as coach Sean Payton acknowledges room for improvement and questions about long-term contention linger. Moving forward, Denver will need continued fourth-quarter execution and overall offensive rhythm to translate this streak into deeper postseason success.
Dive Deeper:
Bo Nix has directed 17 straight one-score wins as Denver’s starter, a streak that broke an NFL record; the latest came in a 26-21 victory over Carolina.
In the game, Denver trailed after three quarters, but Nix led two fourth-quarter scoring drives, including a 26-yard TD pass with 5:41 remaining to take the lead.
Nix finished with 237 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a near-perfect third-down performance, completing 6 of 7 attempts for 72 yards and a touchdown on those downs.
The Broncos’ offense has been inconsistent all season, and Denver had been outgained by 658 yards entering the week, contributing to debates about whether the team is truly ready for a deep playoff run.
Coach Sean Payton has previously considered benching Nix but ultimately kept faith in him, a decision that has yielded five consecutive wins and a 7-2 record, though payoffs beyond the regular season remain uncertain.
Despite the success, questions persist about overall rhythm outside the fourth quarter and whether Denver can sustain the level of late-game production necessary for real championship contention.